South-South Govs Set For Regional Agric Survey

A regional agriculture survey aimed at uncovering the huge agro potentials of the South-South region will soon commence, if plans by the Governors under the banner of South-South Governors’ Forum sails through.

Speaking on the outcome of the body’s meeting at Uyo in Akwa-Ibom State at the weekend, Chairman of the forum, Senator Liyel Imoke, disclosed that agriculture had great potentials for the region.

His words, “on agriculture, council explained the communique of BRACED Commission and has urged the state Commissioners for Agriculture in the South-South to complete without delay, the framework for the revival of agriculture. Further, the council directed the BRACED Commission to undertake a feasibility study spanning primary cropping to the market as well as the cost implications to guide this.

The body expressed displeasure over the neglect of the abundant marine resources in the South-South, and urged the commission to exploit the vast marine resources in the region.

Also, the governors reiterated their preparedness to improve education in the region to produce qualitative manpower to drive sustainable development.

Part of the plan by the body is to work collaboratively with all member states to overhaul the sector.

They said, “in reaffirming its decision on education, council recognised the need to pay adequate attention to education in order to generate the required skilled manpower necessary to drive sustainable development in the region”.

Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Liyel Imoke of Cross River, Godswill Apkabio of Akwa-Ibom, attended the meeting while Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta State) was represented by his deputy, Prof Amos Otuama.

The governors met to review developments in the region particularly the circumstances that led to the postponement of the second South-South Economic Summit.

The postponed economic summit was now slated to hold on 15th March, 2012 in Asaba, Delta State.

Also, governors of the South-South states have reiterated their preparedness to improve education in the region to produce the required skilled manpower necessary for sustainable development.

Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross River State in the communique said, “in considering the Communique of the BRACED Commission on education, council reaffirmed its determination to work collectively to improve education in the region.”